Gauff claims she skipped Auckland in order to compete at a higher level in the United Cup

Coco Gauff, ranked third in the world, announced on Friday that she has chosen to begin her season at the United Cup rather than her happy hunting territory in Auckland because it provides a greater level of competition and the opportunity to play as a team once more.

The 20-year-old is playing for the United States in the Dec. 27–Jan. 5 United Cup in Perth and Sydney. He won the last two Australian Open preparation competitions in Auckland.

“I adore Auckland. There, I won twice. “The 2023 U.S. Open champion told reporters, ‘It was a terrific event.

“I myself wanted to compete at a higher level and in a team setting. I thoroughly enjoyed the Olympics in Paris. We’ve already experienced so much of the season that it’s good to add some variation.

“I think for all of us the main focus is Australian Open and doing well there.”

Before playing Croatia on December 31, the United States will begin their campaign against Canada on Sunday in the $10 million mixed team event in Perth.

Gauff will try to better on her 2024 semi-final performance at the Australian Open, which starts on January 12.